This is my third visit to the Monticello Motor Club (MMC) since it opened last summer. I'm a lucky guy, especially since I'm now here in an and have been granted temporary member status. That means unlimited track time. If only I had more tires and brake pads...

Unlike many other country-club tracks, MMC has no aspiration to host public races. Instead, it caters to the well-heeled car enthusiast who wants track time without the hassle typically associated with conventional group track rentals. Full members have nearly unlimited access to the track during the summer months that run between April and November. Do you live in New York City, collect vintage race cars and need a place to play with them? Then this is the club for you. The circuit's grounds were finished last summer and at this point the track's surface is fully worn in. Surrounding the 4.1-mile course is deep forest, lush grass, plenty of runoff and a beautiful absence of typical racetrack bally­hoo. There are three large pits, and the track itself can be broken into three small tracks. However, it's typically just split into two, and today the members are running on the north loop.

It's a fast set of corners that flows seamlessly with plenty of elevation change. There is nothing flat, square or simple about it. Every lap presents an opportunity to learn the line better. To me this is the U.S. equivalent of Race Resort Ascari in Spain and ranks high among the most enjoyable tracks I've ever driven. We can thank the collaboration of Bruce Hawkins with Brian Redman for its design.

With an entire day to spend at the facility I had ample time to relax and enjoy the track's other amenities. A two-story temporary structure has been erected while the permanent structures are being built. The future buildings will house garages, lodging, a restaurant, fitness and spa facilities. Although I couldn't get a massage, I was able to dine on the member's-only second-floor veranda overlooking the southern course where a group of motorcyclists hosted a track day. After a superb lunch and interesting conversation with a member who was there to shake down his vintage Porsche 914-6, I went right back to enjoying our R8.

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With my multitude of laps, the north course was becoming quite familiar to me. On occasion a member would venture out and give chase. The camaraderie of members and gentlemanly racing manners are exemplary. Everyone here is having fun and has nothing to prove. Why can't all track days be like this?

An owner of a fine automobile should learn the skills to use it, and MMC provides instruction. Drivers of all skill levels are allowed to run, whether to explore the limits of an exotic car in a safe environment, or to race wheel-to-wheel. Don't own something suitable for track use? Then pick one of the club cars as a rental. They include, among others, a Ford GT, Lotus 2-Eleven and Ferrari 360 Stradale.

Everything has its price, though. For the exclusivity of full membership and all the benefits, be prepared to pay an initiation fee of $125,000, about the price of our Audi R8, and then a very reasonable $7500 every year thereafter. Out of my price range, but I'm a lucky guy, so I'm sure I'll be back.—SB